China made a significant leap in space exploration with the successful launch of the world’s first liquid oxygen, liquid methane carrier rocket. Developed by the privately-owned aerospace company LandSpace, the ZQ-2 Y2 rocket lifted off the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Northwest China’s Gansu Province, carrying a sample payload into orbit.
The launch of the ZQ-2 Y2 marks a pivotal moment in China’s quest to develop low-cost, efficient liquid propellants for carrier rockets. The ZQ-2 Y2, the largest and most powerful private rocket in China, completed its flight procedures and achieved its mission, according to LandSpace. This launch, the second flight for the ZQ-2 series, showcases China’s growing capabilities in the aerospace sector.
The entire flight lasted 750 seconds, culminating in loud applause and celebrations in the central control room as the payload entered its designated orbit at 765 seconds. Scientists and investors rejoiced, with many seen hugging, congratulating each other, and even shedding tears of joy.
“Seeing the rocket liftoff on site is quite thrilling, and I plan to put more money into this field,” a representative of an investment company told the Global Times on condition of anonymity.
The ZQ-2 rocket is a two-stage rocket with a diameter of 3.35 meters and a total length of 49.5 meters. It boasts a launch weight of 219 tons and a takeoff thrust of 268 tons. The rocket is powered by six liquid-propellant engines, five of which utilize 80 tons of liquid oxygen and liquid methane, making them the largest in Asia. The rocket can place a 1.5-ton payload into a typical sun-synchronous orbit at about 500 kilometres above the Earth, with future models potentially increasing this capacity to four tons.
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“The success of the ZQ-2 carrier rocket today has put China in the leading ranks of the global space race for methane-based rockets,” Zhang Changwu, founder and CEO of LandSpace, told a press conference following the launch.
One of the standout features of the ZQ-2 is its environmentally friendly propellant. The rocket’s engine uses a combination of liquid oxygen and liquid methane, significantly reducing the required cleaning time from days to hours. This feature is crucial for the development of reusable rocket technology and low-cost launches. Industry experts have praised this innovation, highlighting China’s leadership in the global space race for methane-based rockets.
LandSpace’s founder and CEO, Zhang Changwu, emphasized the economic advantages of the ZQ-2. Through upgrades and mass launch capability, the ZQ-2 is expected to achieve a 30 percent cost advantage compared to alternatives on the market. Zhang stated, “I believe currently, if we can keep the cost of a single rocket under 100 million yuan ($13.91 million), then it is quite competitive.” Further optimization aims to bring the per kilogram cost in line with SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket.
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The successful test flight of the ZQ-2 has laid a solid foundation for future research and development of reusable rockets. LandSpace plans to launch the ZQ-2 Y3 later in 2023, which will carry multiple satellites to test the rocket’s precision in sending payloads into orbit. The company is preparing for a third launch and aims to start mass launch programs soon.
Zhang Changwu shared ambitious plans, stating, “If we can obtain success of the ZQ-2 model within the year, we will start to deliver a small number for the market from 2024, like three or four launches, and double the number in the year after… if we maintain this growth pace, I think we will be the first private rocket company in the country to ‘achieve one from zero.'”
Liquid methane and liquid oxygen are not easy to create. Scientists achieve this by forcing the gases through metal tubes submerged in super-cold liquid nitrogen. The freezing temperatures slow down the gas particles, converting them into a liquid state. This process results in a much cleaner-burning fuel compared to traditional petroleum-based rocket fuels.
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Albert Einstein, one of history’s greatest minds, once envisioned an air engine capable of powering faster and larger vehicles. However, the ZQ-2 Y2 rocket doesn’t rely on such an engine. Instead, it utilizes liquid methane and liquid oxygen to reach astonishing speeds of 18,000 miles per hour.
China’s successful launch has significant global implications. With the potential benefits of liquid methane, including safe storage, low-cost production, non-toxic properties, and high versatility, other countries are likely to race to develop similar technology. The use of liquid methane could revolutionize the space and aviation industries for the next century.
As China continues to test and refine this technology, the world will be watching closely. The country’s commitment to innovation in aerospace engineering positions it as a formidable competitor on the global stage.
